Abstract: Producing a checkout transaction receipt for loaned media materials, such as in a library, includes storing in a first printer queue a basic print job, determining whether the basic print job is a raw type file or a non-raw type file, and triggering filtering of the basic print job based on a determination that the basic print job is a raw type file. Production of the transaction receipt also includes producing customized print job populated with transaction content based on checkout transaction data and custom content including promotional content based on stored custom content file(s). The customized print job is stored in a second printer queue, and printed to a transaction receipt printer or electronically generated for access by a patron. The strategy enables manipulation of receipts for adding promotional content without any need for additional hardware and regardless of preexisting institutional processes or computer systems that are in place.

Abstract: Processing a checkout transaction at a library includes scanning a patron identifier and an item identifier at a computerized checkout station, and reading stored data associated with the item identifier which is indicative of at least one of a classification parameter, a content parameter, and a size parameter, of the item of media. The process further includes determining a rewards value for the item of media, and increasing a total rewards score in a database record associated with the patron identifier on a remote computing system.

Abstract: Producing a light display for entertainment at a venue includes broadcasting a sonic timing signal, and driving internal timers on mobile handheld electronic devices at the venue toward a synchronous state via the sonic timing signal. Producing the light display further includes triggering illumination of the devices at different times each determined by the corresponding internal timer and contingent upon a location at the venue, to generate a light display. Related control methodology and control logic is also disclosed.

Abstract: Producing a light display for entertainment at a venue includes broadcasting a sonic timing signal, and driving internal timers on mobile handheld electronic devices at the venue toward a synchronous state via the sonic timing signal. Producing the light display further includes triggering illumination of the devices at different times each determined by the corresponding internal timer and contingent upon a location at the venue, to generate a light display. Related control methodology and control logic is also disclosed.

Abstract: Circulation control of tangible media materials may include transmitting an authorization request from a self-checkout station for a checkout transaction. A signal may be received at the self-checkout station indicative of a fault generated in response to the authorization request, and a handheld control device may be used to command assignment of a pseudo-identifier to the checkout transaction such that the article of tangible media can be released to circulation via the self-checkout station. Related hardware and control logic is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for controlling circulation of media materials from a library includes a control system and a circulation control station having a housing defining a receptacle which is configured to receive a packaged unit of securable media therein. The circulation control station includes an electronic security control mechanism and a mechanical security control mechanism, each mounted to the housing. The electronic security control mechanism may include an RFID reader/writer, and the mechanical security control mechanism may include a magnet and an actuator. The control system is configured to release a packaged unit of securable media to circulation by disabling an electronic security device and a magnetic security device of a packaged unit of securable media resident within the receptacle and executing a media checkout procedure.

Abstract: A system for controlling circulation of media materials from a library includes a control system and a circulation control station having a housing defining a receptacle which is configured to receive a packaged unit of securable media therein. The circulation control station includes an electronic security control mechanism and a mechanical security control mechanism, each mounted to the housing. The electronic security control mechanism may include an RFID reader/writer, and the mechanical security control mechanism may include a magnet and an actuator. The control system is configured to release a packaged unit of securable media to circulation by disabling an electronic security device and a magnetic security device of a packaged unit of securable media resident within the receptacle and executing a media checkout procedure.

Abstract: A cellulosic cationic ion-exchange composition is formed by sulfonation of activated cellulose having of high surface area characteristics, using an acid such as concentrated H.sub.2 SO.sub.4. The sulfonated material is convertible into different forms, viz., H-form, Na-form, K-form, NH.sub.4.sup.+ form, Ba-form, Ca-form, and Cu-form by appropriate reaction. The cation-exchanger has been found useful to treat industrial effluents for the removal of heavy metals, to achieve recovery of precious metals, to carry out water-softening, and the like.